US Firms Head to Europe For International Rubber Conference

DICV Launches Customer Engagement Initiative - Mithra

Rubber Division, ACS, ACE Laboratories and Endurica will join major players in the global rubber industry at DKT IRC 2021 from 27-30 June 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany. 

All three will showcase their services, products, training and future events in Hall 9 Pavillion 104, a 36 sq m exhibition stand organised by UK marketing consultancy Rubber Heart, who will also be exhibiting for the first time since the company was established at the start of 2020. 

The consultancy said in a statement that it is the European Representative of Rubber Division, ACS, European marketing partners to ACE Laboratories and Endurica and is also the marketing and sales representative for FGV Rubber Industries in Malaysia, which produces FGV ENR and FGV DPNR. Information on modified natural rubbers will be also available on the booth, it said. 

David Cawthra, Director, Rubber Heart, said, “It’s been a long time since the rubber industry has been able to meet up and we are delighted that we are able to join our partners and the 250 exhibitors and 3000 expected participants in Nuremberg for DKT IRC 2021. We are excited that events are back and value even more how they can make you immediately feel part of a bigger picture and drive collaboration, partnerships and innovation that can only be of benefit for the whole industry.” 

DKT is organised by the Deutsche Kautschuk-Gesellschaft e. V. (DKG - German Rubber Society) and is Europe’s most important international event for the rubber industry that takes place every three years. DKG is a member of the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO), a worldwide association of rubber societies who between them host the annual International Rubber Conference (IRC). 

Rubber Division, ACS is also an IRCO member and will next host the IRC in 2027. Lakisha Miller-Barclay, Executive Director and CEO will be on hand at the pavillion to talk to visitors about membership, education and training programmes as well as opportunities available at the International Elastomer Conference from 10 to 13 October 2022 in Knoxville, TN. 

ACE Laboratories provides independent rubber and silicone product and material testing, analysis and development services from its ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory in Ohio, USA. CEO Erick Sharp will meet with ACE’s international customers that include many leading global players in the rubber industry, as well as introducing ACE’s rapidly growing portfolio of services, it said. 

Endurica is a world leader in solutions for managing the durability of elastomeric products. Its fatigue life simulation software, testing and material characterisation services are relied upon by manufacturers across the globe for right-on-the-first-try product development programmes. Engineering Analyst Mark Bauman will talk in-depth to all those interested in exploring further how Endurica can get rubber products to market faster. 

Cawthra said, “There is certainly a real buzz in the industry about this event. There should be something for everyone in Hall 9 Pavilion 104, so come and see us all to find out about Rubber Heart and our partners and what we are all doing for the rubber industry! We look forward to meeting you there.” (TT)

Pirelli Launches SCORPION XC RH MTB Racing Tyre

Pirelli has expanded its premium Cross Country mountain bike tyre line with the introduction of the SCORPION XC RH. This new model, entirely manufactured in Italy at the company's Milan-Bollate facility using FSC-certified natural rubber, is engineered for the highest levels of competitive racing where minimizing rolling resistance is the paramount concern.

Designed for hardpack and compact terrain, the SCORPION XC RH aims to deliver record-level rolling efficiency without sacrificing control. Its performance stems from a synergistic combination of a specialised tread design and a bespoke RACE XC compound. The tread pattern features a wide, continuous central band with low-profile, tightly spaced knobs to maximize speed and smoothness. For confident cornering, a key weakness in many fast-rolling tyres, the RH incorporates aggressive shoulder knobs directly derived from the SCORPION XC RC model. This differentiated profile ensures stability on straightaways and provides exceptional traction through technical turns.

The custom-formulated RACE XC compound is the product of Pirelli’s technical expertise, bridging motorsport and cycling. Developed specifically for the RH model, this compound is calibrated to offer ultra-fast rolling performance coupled with essential chemical grip, which is critical for maintaining control on mixed surfaces and when riding at the limit. Internal laboratory testing confirms that the SCORPION XC RH is the fastest model in Pirelli's entire Made-in-Italy cross-country range, demonstrating a more than forty percent improvement in rolling speed over the previous RC model.

This new Racing Hardpack tyre has already been proven under race conditions by Pirelli’s partner teams, including Alpecin-Deceuninck and Trek Factory Racing, in events such as the Les Gets World Cup and the World Championships. Notably, Samuele Porro of the Klimatiza Orbea team rode the SCORPION XC RH to a Vice World Champion title at the 2025 Marathon World Championships.

The SCORPION XC RH is available to consumers in a 29x2.4 size, offering a choice between the standard LITE casing and the redesigned ProWALL casing, which features reinforced sidewalls for enhanced protection and stability. The tyres are now available at leading bicycle retailers and online, complete with graphics in both standard and Team Edition versions.

Nokian Tyres Named Official Sponsor For 2026 And 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships

Nokian Tyres Named Official Sponsor For 2026 And 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships

Nokian Tyres has been named an Official Sponsor for the 2026 and 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, connecting its brand with a premier winter sports spectacle. The sponsorship covers the upcoming tournaments in Switzerland and Germany, which captivate a global audience of millions.

According to Tiina Frazer, VP of Brand, Marketing and Communications at Nokian Tyres, the partnership is a natural alignment. She notes that ice hockey is a sport defined by extreme conditions, where success hinges on control, precision, and grip. This directly parallels the core mission of Nokian Tyres, which is to engineer products that provide drivers with reliable safety and confident performance on the road, regardless of the weather. The collaboration reinforces the company's dedication to excellence in demanding environments.

Frazer said, “We’re proud to support an event that brings together millions of passionate hockey fans – whether they’re cheering at the ice rink or following the excitement from their screens. It’s a privilege to be part of the special moments viewers enjoy around the globe, especially as awareness of our heritage as inventor of the winter tyre is growing globally. We are looking forward to our partnership and wish all the teams and players success for the upcoming tournament.”

Doublestar Tire, Kumho Tire Feature In ‘THE ASIA’S 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL BRANDS’ List

Doublestar Tire, Kumho Tire Feature In ‘THE ASIA’S 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL BRANDS’ List

The World Brand Lab unveiled its ‘Asia's 500 Most Influential Brands’ list at the Asia Brand Congress in Hong Kong on 24 September 2025, featuring both Kumho Tires and Doublestar Tires for their significant brand impact.

Kumho Tires achieved a comprehensive ranking of 209th, rising six places from the previous year and positioning it as the second-highest ranked tyre brand. Meanwhile, Doublestar Tires climbed five spots to 305th overall, earning the distinction of being the top-ranked brand within China's domestic tyre industry.

Michelin Inks Distribution Partnership With J&B Importers For Bicycle Tyres

Michelin Inks Distribution Partnership With J&B Importers For Bicycle Tyres

Michelin North America, Inc. is enhancing retailer access to its bicycle tyres through a new distribution partnership with J&B Importers, effective 1 October 2025. With this development, retailers will be able to order Michelin products directly through J&B Importers, starting with an initial selection of popular models.

A major expansion of the tyre lineup is scheduled for 1 January 2026, which will introduce a comprehensive portfolio. This collaboration is designed for a seamless integration, providing efficient access to Michelin's premium range. The 2026 expansion will include a wide array of new SKUs, encompassing tyres for road, mountain, gravel and city cycling to meet diverse market demands.

Justin Brock, Vice President – Sales, Recreational Products, Michelin North America, Inc., said, “Partnering with J&B Importers, Inc. allows us to better serve independent bike dealers with faster access to Michelin’s trusted tyre technologies. This is a key step in expanding our footprint and supporting the cycling community with products that deliver performance and durability.”

Phil Sweet, General Manager, J&B Importers, Inc., said, “We’re proud to welcome Michelin to our distribution portfolio. Michelin is a globally respected brand known for innovation and performance. This partnership allows us to offer our dealers access to premium bicycle tyres backed by a legacy of excellence, and we’re excited to grow the assortment in the months ahead.”